Rosh Chodesh: A Woman's Celebration

Community Rosh Chodesh meetings
Some communities have started a new tradition of holding a monthly meeting of just women in honor of Rosh Chodesh. The meeting may or may not be held on Rosh Chodesh, though the closer to the festival the better. I have heard of many different activities being held such as poetry reading, singing, learning of Torah, and dancing.

In my community, the Rosh Chodesh group meets monthly. The participants take turns presenting a subject previously agreed upon by the group. Also, someone volunteers to talk about the month, for example, the holidays contain in that month, and someone speaks about their personal relationship to Torah-true Judaism. Complete with dancing, learning, and snacks, the group succeeds in creating an atmosphere of spiritual nourishment.

To start your own Rosh Chodesh group, post signs in your local synagogue and community centers. Decide on a place to hold the meeting. (Perhaps take turns hosting the program in each other's homes, or use a room in your synagogue or community center.) At each meeting collect the names, phone numbers and email addresses so you can alert those who are interested in the next meeting.

New on-line Rosh Chodesh group
I have recently started an on-line Rosh Chodesh group, brand new this month. The plan is to combine the celebration of Rosh Chodesh and the repentance aspect of Rosh Chodesh Eve, which is a miniature Yom Kippur.

Each month we'll submit to the list our goals for the month and our accomplishments from the previous month. On Rosh Chodesh itself, we'll encourage list members to submit essays, poetry, or random thoughts. Gossip will not be tolerated, and lurking, or reading without participating, is discouraged. Because of the private nature of topics, it's simply not fair to read every ones deepest thoughts and not include your own.

To join the on-line Rosh Chodesh list, send a blank email to roshchodesh-subscribe@egroups.com . As I mentioned, the group is new so we're taking this month to get to know each other and collect members. Any woman from any leval or background is welcome to join. You can join at anytime during the month, we only ask that you read a few messages first to get a feel for the group and it's tone.

Your next chance: Rosh Chodesh Tamuz is on July 3rd and 4th. Let's celebrate!

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